My son was accepted into Jobcorps and we just got word today tjhat he will be leaving on Tuesday. He is going to the Loring Center in ME, its about 8 hrs from where we live in NH. I am excited for him- he fooled around in school and dropped out last year. He will be 17 next month. They are going to put him through Drivers Ed, get his GED and then he is going for auto mechanics. They will ASE certify him but at this time the certification is done in Utah (they will send him there)

I hope he does well with this. If he does, he will go in there being behind his friends, and come out being far ahead of them. This is what he needs. I truly hope he likes it and does a great job. He is so smart- just lacks ambition =)

I get sad when I think about him leaving. We always have had a different relationship when compared with the other kids. I had him when I was 14, so our relationship 90% of the time feels like more of a brother/sister type and not mother/son- mostly because we aren't that far in age. My parents helped me with him when I was in highschool, so I could graduate with my class at the age of 17. I truly appreciate all they did for me, but I kind of regret not having that same bonding experience with him as I do my others. They kinda took the reigns for me so I could do what I needed to do to graduate-got up with him for night feedings, so I could sleep, etc. I have always been grateful to them for that. It just stinks, because as I had more children, I realized that doing those things for them when they are little is what builds that foundation and bond you have with them as they grow up. So me and him have struggled with this for a long time. I finally feel like we have gotten closer in the past few years though.

I knew I would be sad when he was going, and maybe it's because I am pregnant- but I didnt think like I would be THIS worked up about it!

Anyways thanks for listening =)

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~Angela~

Expecting #5!!

Callie ~ 11



Evann~ 5 and Gavinn ~ 3


Ryann Addison 05-09-2008

I think it's a wonderful thing your son is doing. I can totally understand the feelings you are going through. My mother and I didn't have a close relationship as I was growing up. As a matter of fact we really didn't gain that mother/daughter bond until DH and I started TTC before Ava and she finally stopped trying to control my life and just enjoyed watching me live it. She was 18 when I was born and was off to college by the time I was about 9 months old. I grew up most of my childhood years with my grandparents raising me. She left to better herself for my benefit, but it ended up causing us not to bond. On the otherhand, she had my brother 7 years later, once she had an established career and was a good bit older, of course, and they are extremely close - to a fault. My mother has always tried to protect my brother, and that ended up making him reckless, because there was no accountability for him with her. I would say I turned out to be the better, more responsible child. I didn't mean to get off on my story. My point was, that I think the best thing you can do for your son and for your relationship is to totally support this decision he has made and be positive about it. Sure it's going to be sad when he leaves, but if you reinforce how proud you are of him, it will mean a lot to him and that will strengthen your relationship.

When DH and I started talking and moving toward having our own children, I wondered how it would effect each of our relationships with our individual sets of older children. For me it's made me want to reinforce our bonds and appreciate any time we have together. As an older mom, I realize how precious all the moments are - even those not so pleasant "up all nighters", " the colic times", "the terrible twos". They are all part of the bonding process. If it were all roses and good times as they grew up, we would never survive the teenage/young adult years. You're going to make it and you're going to grow closer as he succeeds. I'm not saying put on your happy face in front of him. It's not a bad thing for him to see you cry - it shows him your heart and how much you love and care for him. But let him see the pride in your eyes and a smile at his accomplishments and good choices too!

HTH

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That sounds like such a great opportunity for your son. It is wonderful that there are programs out there to help kids better themselves. Your son will do great!

I know you're sad and will miss him, but hang in there. It is completely normal to feel the way you do. I'm sure your ds will be sad too, although he probably will not show it. Don't worry, he'll be back home before you know it and what a proud mama you will be!

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Sheri

Wow- 14- that must have been hard to go through at that young age! I agree with the others- let him know you care and will miss him and that you love him and you are proud of him...especially if he dropped out of school....he isn't just giving up. He is doing something to make himself better and that is great. He will get skills to survive in life and learn more about himself in the process...get a GED, etc. Yes, tell him you are proud of him, and even though it is sad and difficult, tell him how you feel. Kids like to hear that their mom loves them, even if they act like they don't And I am sure he will do great- and come out with so much.

You are lucky that your parents helped you so much and helped you get through high school. Life is hard enough sometimes! LOL

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Francine mom to 3 awesome boys~Keiran 2/18/01 Aidan 11/14/02 (water birth)Breylan 5/02/05(water birth)
and and Hunter Grayce~born 6/7/2008 7 lbs 6 oz, a fabulous water birth
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Blinkie Maker
The day you deliver, outside will be warm. Your baby will arrive in the evening.After a labor lasting approximately 5 hours, your child, a girl, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 8 pounds, 15 ounces, and will be 17-1/2 inches long. This child will have blue eyes and dark hair.

Congrats!

One of my brothers went to JobCorp. It was a very positive experience for him. I'm sure your son will benefit from it also.

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Awww, mama, that's got to be really difficult...but so encouraging for him, too! Bittersweet! Sending you many ((hugs)) and prayers for peace. It's so wonderful that you have gotten the chance to get closer to him. It sounds like his life is headed in a really positive and rewarding direction. I'm sure that brings you hope as well. Many blessings to you both!

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It sounds like a very good choice to me! I hope he does well there Good luck to your son.

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That's great (but bittersweet) news! I wish him all the luck in the world and hope everything works out for him.
Thanks for sharing this with us. I really admire your openness and introspection about the situation. Many *hugs*

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